Master's thesis: Investigating the electrochemical properties of coated steel bipolar plates for PEM water electrolysers

Looking for an exciting thesis project? Join us in revolutionizing proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs) by testing innovative materials and tackling real-world challenges. Get hands-on in the lab, work with cutting-edge tech, and play a role in the green energy revolution!

Background
Water electrolysis is a chemical process that uses electricity to split water into its constituent gases, hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). This process is a key technology for producing green hydrogen, positioning it as a cornerstone of clean energy strategies. Among the available methods, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyser (PEMWE) stands out as the most promising for efficient water splitting. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by the high cost of components and reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs) such as gold and platinum.

A viable path to cost reduction involves replacing these expensive materials with alternatives, such as coated stainless steel, and reducing the overall component weight. Functional coatings play a critical role in achieving this goal, but they must be rigorously tested under conditions that mimic the electrolyser environment.

This project focuses on a key PEMWE component known as the bipolar plate. Our work aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of coated stainless steel bipolar plates and identify the failure mechanisms of the applied coatings.

The results will guide the development of more efficient and durable PEMWE components, ultimately contributing to cost reductions and the wider adoption of green hydrogen technologies.

The project
Funded by Clean Energy Transition (CET) Partnership with a total of 7 partners (research institutes and companies) from countries across Europe. Within the project, researchers at RISE are responsible for corrosion investigations.

Typical tasks

• Sample and electrolyte preparation
• Electrochemical testing including polarization and impedance testing
• Preliminary elemental dissolution studies using atomic emission Spectro electrochemistry (AESEC)

Outcome

• Determining relevant testing methods for PEMWE
• Degradation analysis of coatings and steps for improvement

Who this project is for
This project is for you that studies chemistry and materials at Uppsala University. You enjoy hands-on work in a laboratory setting and has a passion for learning about new technologies. If you are curious about material science, corrosion testing, and working with advanced equipment in a dynamic research environment, this project will be a great fit for you!

Terms
Start date: January 2024
Scope: 30 hp.
Location: The Corrosion Department of RISE is located at Isafjordsgatan 28 A in Kista, Sweden.
Compensation: Compensation will be paid on satisfactory oral and written thesis defence.
Other conditions; To apply for this thesis project, you need to be a student at Uppsala University.

Supervisory team at RISE
Main supervisor: Smita Gangaprasad Rao smita.gangaprasad.rao@ri.se
Co-supervisor: Karin Törne karin.torne@ri.se
Unit manager: Johan Tidblad, e-mail: johan.tidblad@ri.se

Welcome with you application!
To know more, please contact Smita Gangaprasad Rao smita.gangaprasad.rao@ri.se . Applications should include a brief personal letter and CV. Candidates are encouraged to send in their application as soon as possible but at the latest by the 7th of January 2025. Suitable applicants can be interviewed as soon as applications are received.